Identification of public safety answering platform next generation 911 media support

ABSTRACT

A method, system, and medium are provided for generating a profile for public safety answering platforms. The profile identifies media formats supported by the PSAPs at various cell sector locations maintained by a network provider. A network server selects a cell sector and generates a test emergency services call. The test emergency services call is transmitted to a PSAP. The PSAP generates a response that indicates whether the PSAP supports a media format identified in the test emergency services call. The PSAP transmits the response to the network server for storage in the profile.

PRIORITY

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/589,780, filed Aug. 20, 2012, entitled “IDENTIFICATION OF PUBLICSAFETY ANSWERING PLATFORM NEXT GENERATION 911 MEDIA SUPPORT,”, which ishereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

SUMMARY

A high-level overview of various embodiments of the invention isprovided here for that reason, to provide an overview of the disclosureand to introduce a selection of concepts that are further describedbelow in the detailed-description section. This summary is not intendedto identify key features or essential features of the claimed subjectmatter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in isolation todetermine the scope of the claimed subject matter. In brief and at ahigh level, this disclosure describes, among other things, ways togenerate a profile for a public safety answering platform (PSAP), wherethe profile identifies media formats supported by the PSAP.

The wireless network, in some embodiments, includes a network serverthat generates test emergency services calls. The wireless network mayinclude multiple cell sectors. Each cell sector may be covered by one ormore PSAPs. The network server generates test emergency services callsfor each sector to identify the PSAPs covering each sector and toidentify the media support provided by the PSAPs. The network server mayrandomly select a cell sector maintained by the wireless networkprovider. In turn, the network server generates a test emergencyservices call and transmits the test emergency services call to a PSAP.The test call may identify one or more media formats supported by thewireless network. The network server receives a response from the PSAP.The response indicates whether the PSAP supports a media formatidentified in the test call. The profile for the PSAP is created tostore an identifier for the PSAP and the corresponding media formatssupported by the PSAP. The profile may be stored in a database connectedto the network server.

In other words, the PSAP provides a response having the supported mediaformat. In one embodiment, the PSAP obtains a test emergency servicescall. The PSAP may extract media formats requested in the test emergencyservices call. The current media format capabilities are identified bythe PSAP. If any of the current capabilities match the extracted mediaformats, the PSAP generates a response that includes the matchingcapabilities. If a match is not found, the response indicates that therequested media formats are not supported by the PSAP. The PSAPtransmits the response to the network server for storage in the profile.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described in detail belowwith reference to the attached drawing figures, and wherein:

FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram of an exemplary network device inaccordance with embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 2 depicts a network diagram of an exemplary communication system inaccordance with embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary logic diagram for generating a PSAP profilein accordance with embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary logic diagram for providing a response to atest emergency services call in accordance with embodiments of theinvention; and

FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary communication flow diagram receiving aresponse to the test emergency services call in accordance withembodiments of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject matter of the patent is described with specificity herein tomeet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is notintended to define the invention, which is what the claims do. Rather,the claimed subject matter might be embodied in other ways to includedifferent steps or combinations of steps similar to the ones describedin this document, in conjunction with other present or futuretechnologies. Moreover, although the term “step” or other generic termmight be used herein to connote different components or methodsemployed, the terms should not be interpreted as implying any particularorder among or between various steps herein disclosed unless and exceptwhen the order of individual steps is explicitly described.

Embodiments of the invention are directed to identifying media formatsupport at PSAPs that cover cell sectors maintained by a wirelessnetwork provider. A network server is configured to build PSAP profilesbased on the response to a test emergency services call. The profileincludes an indication of the services and media format that aresupported by the PSAP. For instance, the networks server, in at leastone embodiment, periodically transmits test emergency services calls tothe loopback interface of the PSAP to query the capability of the PSAP.The network server receives the responses and stores the capabilityinformation in a database.

Accordingly, embodiments of this invention provide a means toautomatically determine the media handling capabilities of each of thePSAPs. The response would provide an indication of whether the PSAP isready for next generation 911 services. In other words, when a wirelessdevice transmits a next generation 911 emergency service call having asupported media format, the PSAP in the cell sector of the wirelessdevice should respond without rejecting the next generation 911emergency service call as unsupported. If an unsupported media format ofthe next generation 911 emergency service call is received by the PSAP,the media format may be converted if possible or the next generation 911emergency service call may be rejected.

A base station or server associated with wireless devices mayperiodically generate test emergency services calls, in one embodiment.The server processes the PSAP responses to the test emergency servicescalls. The server stores the capabilities of each PSAP that responds tothe test emergency services calls. The capabilities indicate the mediaformats that are supported by the PSAPs.

For instance, the network server may identify each of the media formatsthat are currently supported by the wireless network or the wirelessdevices connected to the wireless network. The media formats include,among others, voice, text, and video. In turn, the network serverselects a cell sector out of all the network cell sectors and stores thecell sector identification in a database. The cell sectors may beselected randomly by the network server. In certain embodiments, thegeographical location, e.g., latitude and longitude, of the selectedcell sectors is also recorded in the database. The network serverchooses one or more media formats to include in a test emergency servicecall. The media formats may be combined in the test emergency servicecall based on the network server selections. The media format selectionsthat form the combinations may be random. In one embodiment, each cellsector is tested for all of the media formats and for each combinationof media formats. In one embodiment, the test emergency services callsmay be next generation 9-1-1 calls. The test emergency services callsmay be formatted as SIP invites. These SIP invites may contain the cellsector location and the selected media format or combination of mediaformats. The test emergency services calls are routed to the PSAP thatcovers the location identified by the cell sector. Responses to the testemergency services calls are generated by the PSAP and returned to thenetwork server. The response may include an identifier for the PSAP thatreceived the test emergency services calls and indications of whetherthe media formats requested in the test emergency services calls aresupported by the PSAP. In some embodiments, the response is an OKresponse. The OK response indicates that the PSAP supports the mediaformat included in the test emergency services calls. In otherembodiments, the response is an error message that indicates that thePSAP does not support the media format included in the test emergencyservices calls. The profile is updated with the cell sector, PSAPidentifier information, and an indication of the media formats that aresupported and media formats that are not supported by the identifiedPSAP. If the test emergency services call was processed by the PSAP andan OK response is generated, then the network server knows the PSAPsupports the particular media format. If the test emergency servicescalls are processed by the PSAP and an error response is generated, suchas “415 Unsupported Media Type,” then the network server knows that thePSAP does not support the particular media format.

Throughout this patent, several acronyms and shorthand notations areused to aid the understanding of certain concepts pertaining to theassociated system and services. These acronyms and shorthand notationsare solely intended for the purpose of providing an easy methodology ofcommunicating the ideas expressed herein and are in no way meant tolimit the scope of the embodiments of the invention. The following is alist of these acronyms:

-   -   BTS Base Transceiver Station    -   CDMA Code Division Multiple Access    -   CD-ROM Compact Disc, Read Only Memory    -   DVD Digital Versatile Disc    -   EEPROM Electrically Erasable Programmable Memory    -   GPRS General Packet Radio Service    -   GPS Global Positioning System    -   GSM Global System for Mobile communications (Groupe Spécial        Mobile)    -   IP Internet Protocol    -   IPv4 Internet Protocol Version Four    -   IPv6 Internet Protocol Version Six    -   LED Light Emitting Diode    -   LTE Long Term Evolution    -   NFC Near-Field-Communication    -   PSAP Public Safety Answering Platform    -   PTT Push-To-Talk    -   RAM Random Access Memory    -   ROM Read Only Memory    -   RNC Radio Network Controller    -   SDP Session Description Protocol

Embodiments of the invention can take the form of a method, server,network device, system, or computer-readable media embodied with aspecific set of computer-executable instructions. Computer-readablemedia include both volatile and nonvolatile media, removable andnonremovable media, and contemplate media readable by a database, aswitch, and various other network and computing devices.Computer-readable media include communication media and computer storagemedia implemented in any method or technology that stores information.Examples of stored information include computer-useable instructions,data structures, program components, and other data representations.Examples of computer-readable media include RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flashmemory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile discs(DVD), holographic media or other optical disc storage, magneticcassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage, and other magneticstorage devices. The computer-readable media can store data momentarily,temporarily, or permanently.

In one embodiment, the network server is configured with several inputand output components. The network server may include applications forcommunicating with different networks. The applications may include anemergency service application. The emergency services application allowswireless devices to communicate with emergency service centers. In oneembodiment, the applications include a test emergency servicesapplication, which allows the network server to test various mediaformats supported by the wireless network at multiple PSAPs. The networkserver may utilize the input and output component of the network serverto implement operations requested by the applications.

FIG. 1 depicts a block diagram of an exemplary network server inaccordance with embodiments of the invention. Turning now to FIG. 1, ablock diagram of an illustrative network server is provided andreferenced generally by numeral 100. Although some components are shownin the singular, they may be plural. For example, network server 100might include multiple processors or multiple radios, etc. A networkserver 100 may be one of many devices, including, but not limited to, aswitch, a router, a mobility agent, or a bridge. As illustrativelyshown, network server 100 includes a bus 110 that directly or indirectlycouples various components including memory 112, a processor 114, apresentation component 116, a radio 117, input/output ports 118,input/output components 120, and a power supply 122.

We have previously described various memory components that memory 112might take the form of. Memory component 112 can include any type ofmedium that is capable of storing information (e.g., a database 112A).The database 112A may be configured to store network access credentials,including a network identifier, password, or key associated with thenetwork server 100; location information based on GPS; and anyinformation that the network server 100 transmits to the wirelessnetwork. The database 112A may also store applications like emergencyservices call applications and test emergency services call applicationsassociated with the network server 100. The emergency services mayinclude fire, police, or medical services.

Processor 114 might actually be multiple processors that receiveinstructions associated with the applications and process theinstructions accordingly. Presentation component 116 includes the likesof a display and a speaker, as well as other components that can presentinformation (such as a lamp (LED), or even lighted keyboards) associatedwith the outputs of applications or other components of the networkserver 100.

The network server 100 may store cell sector information and maygenerate profiles based on responses received from PSAPs within the cellsectors. The PSAP responses are generated in reply to test emergencyservice calls. The response confirms whether media formats supported bythe wireless network are supported by the PSAPs.

The communication interface of the network server 100 may be a radio 117that facilitates communication with a wireless telecommunicationsnetwork. Illustrative wireless telecommunications technologies includeCDMA, GPRS, TDMA, GSM, WiMAX, LTE, UMTS, and the like. In someembodiments, radio 117 might also facilitate other types of wirelesscommunications including Wi-Fi communications, Bluetooth™, Zigbee, orother near-field communication. In other embodiments, the communicationinterface of the network server 100 may be a wired line like Ethernet.

Input/output port 118 of network server 100 might take on a variety offorms. Illustrative input/output ports include a USB jack, stereo jack,infrared port, proprietary communications ports, and the like.Input/output components 120 include items such as keyboards,microphones, touch screens, and any other item usable to directly orindirectly input data into network server 100. Power supply 122 includesitems such as batteries, fuel cells, or any other component that can actas a power source to power network device 100.

Accordingly, a network server 100 generates test emergency servicescalls and receives responses that indicate whether PSAPs support themedia format. The network server 100 processes the responses to generatea profile. It will be understood and appreciated by those of ordinaryskill in the art that the network server 100 shown in FIG. 1 is merelyan example of one suitable network server 100 and is not intended tosuggest any limitation as to the scope of use or functionality of theembodiments of the invention. Neither should the network server 100 beinterpreted as having any dependency or requirement related to anysingle component or combination of components illustrated therein. Thesingle unit depictions are meant for clarity, not to limit the scope ofembodiments in any form.

In some embodiments, a network server on the wireless network generatestest emergency services calls. The test emergency services calls arerouted to one or more PSAPs based on the cell sectors identified in thetest emergency services calls. The test emergency services callsindicates one or more media formats that are supported by the wirelessnetwork. The PSAP responses are processed and saved to the database inprofiles that specify the media formats that are supported orunsupported by the responding PSAPs.

FIG. 2 depicts a network diagram of an exemplary communication system inaccordance with embodiments of the invention. Turning now to FIG. 2, anillustrative computing system 200 is provided and referenced generallyby the numeral 200, which depicts an illustrative operating environmentfor determining whether media formats supported by the communicationdevices 210 are also supported by the PSAPs 270. The computing system200 may include communication devices 210, access components 220, RNC230, BSC 240, network 250, network server 260, PSAP 270, and profiledatabase 280.

Communication devices 210 may be used for voice, data, or a combinationof voice and data communication. The communication devices 210 mayconnect to network 250 to complete communication requests. Thecommunication requests may include requests for emergency services.Communication devices 210 may communicate among themselves over anear-field channel in certain embodiments. Communication devices 210 mayconnect to BSC 240 or a third party via communication link. The BSC 240or third party may facilitate communication to and among thecommunication devices 210.

The access component 220 may be a wireless router. Generally, the accesscomponent 220 provides access to what some skilled artisans refer to asa wireless communications network 250. The access component 220 may beone or more of a base transceiver station (BTS) tower, a Wi-Fi router,and any other device that facilitates communication betweencommunication device 210 and network 250. In one embodiment, the accesscomponent 220 includes both a Wi-Fi router and a BTS tower. In anotherembodiment, access component 220 is a BTS tower.

A radio network controller (RNC) 230 performs various functions, such asmanaging radio channels, power control, load control, admission control,packet scheduling, handover control, macrodiversity, security functions,and mobility management. A base station controller (BSC) 240 and networkserver 260 are also shown in FIG. 2. The BSC 240 acts as theintelligence behind base transceiver stations (BTS) (not shown), andhandles allocation of radio channels, receives statistics from thecommunication devices 210, generates emergency services calls whencommanded, and controls handovers from one BTS to another BTS.

The network 250 connects the BSC 240 to the network server 260 and PSAP270. The network 250 may be an IP network operating one or both of IPv4and IPv6. The network 250 provides communication links that may be ashort-range connection, a long-range connection, or a combination ofboth a short-range and a long-range wireless telecommunicationsconnection. When we refer to “short” and “long” types of connections, wedo not mean to refer to the spatial relation between two devices.Instead, we are generally referring to short range and long range asdifferent categories, or types, of connections (i.e., a primaryconnection and a secondary connection). A short-range connection mayinclude a Wi-Fi connection to a device (e.g., wireless hotspot) thatprovides access to a wireless communications network, such as a WLANconnection using 802.11 protocol. A long-range connection may include aconnection using one or more of CDMA, GPRS, GSM, TDMA, and 802.16. Thenetwork 250 routes the test emergency services calls generated by thenetwork server 260 to appropriate PSAPs 270. The PSAP responses aretransmitted to the network server 260 over the network 250.

The network server 260 may be a switch that is configured to generatethe test emergency services calls. The test emergency services calls aretransmitted to the PSAP. The network server 260 probes the PSAPs 270with the test emergency services calls. From the responses generated bythe PSAPs 270, the network server 260 may determine which of the nextgeneration 9-1-1 capabilities are supported. These test emergencyservices calls are generated automatically and reduce the manual effortrequired to test the PSAP 270 and eliminate costs and errors associatedwith manual testing. The network server 260 extracts the PSAP mediaformat support information and identifiers from the responses andcreates a profile for storage in the database 280.

The PSAP 270 is a platform that provides safety for a particular region.Over 6,000 PSAPs 270 may operate with the coverage area of the wirelessnetwork 250. The PSAPs 270 may have a disparity in technologydeployment, advancement and upgrades, which increases the complexity ofdetermining which PSAPs 270 support media formats available on thewireless network. To identify the capabilities of each PSAP 270, thenetwork server sends test emergency service calls to the PSAP 270. Thetest emergency services calls, in some embodiments, are sent to theloopback interface of the PSAP 270. In response to the test emergencyservices calls, the PSAP 270 merely responds the same way it would for areal next generation 9-1-1 call. The results of the test emergencyservices calls are received by the network server 260, which builds aprofile of the current PSAP media capabilities.

The profile database 280 stores the media capabilities for each PSAP 270that responded to test emergency service calls. In some embodiments,multiple PSAPs 270 may respond to an emergency service call that has acombination of media types. The database 280 stores identifiers for thePSAPs 270, media formats supported, and the media formats that are notsupported. The database 280 may also store the location associated withthe PSAP 270. The location may correspond to the cell sector identifiedin the test emergency services call. Accordingly, database 280 may storecarrier coverage map showing the location of the PSAP 270 andidentifying the media format supported by each of illustrated PSAPs 270.The profile stored by the database may include data about a type ofemergency service requested, e.g., fire, police, etc.; the PSAPidentifier; and the media formats supported and unsupported. In oneembodiment, the media formats include phone calls, text messages, PTT,SMS, video chat, two way communication, one way communication, etc.

The illustrated elements of computing system 200 are meant to beexemplary in nature, and the various lower-level details of the elementsare not elaborated on so as to not obscure the embodiments of theinvention. Clearly, some of the elements may be absent in someembodiments of the invention, and additional elements not shown may alsobe part of computing system 200. Attempting to show all of the variouselements of computing system 200 would obscure certain novel aspects,and we will refrain from such elaboration at least for the sake ofbrevity.

A network server, in one embodiment, is configured to build a profilefor each cell sector and PSAP within the coverage area of the wirelessnetwork. The network server selects a cell sector maintained by thewireless network provider. In turn, the network server generates testemergency services call. The test emergency services calls aretransmitted to a PSAP. In response to the test emergency services calls,the PSAP provides a response that indicates whether the PSAP supports amedia format identified in the test emergency services call. The PSAPresponses is used to populate the database.

FIG. 3 depicts an exemplary logic diagram for generating a PSAP profilein accordance with embodiments of the invention. Turning now to FIG. 3,in step 302, the network server selects a cell sector maintained by awireless network provider. The network server, in step 304, generates atest emergency services call. Each cell sector maintained by the networkprovider is identified in a separate test emergency services call. Thetest emergency services call is a session description protocol (SDP)message. In other embodiments, the test emergency services call is asession initiation protocol (SIP) message. The test emergency servicescall identifies at least one media format that is supported by thenetwork provider. The test emergency services call, in otherembodiments, may identify at least two media formats that are supportedby the network provider, wherein the two media formats may betransmitted at the same time to the PSAP.

The test emergency services call is routed to a PSAP in step 306. Thetest emergency services call is transmitted, in some embodiments, to aloopback interface of the PSAP. The test emergency services call followsall of the next generation 9-1-1 routing, call handling, and mediatreatment except that it is never delivered to a PSAP dispatcher (publicsafety dispatcher that answers 911 calls).

In step 308, the network server receives a response from the PSAP thatindicates whether the PSAP supports a media format identified in thetest emergency services call. The media formats include push to talk(PTT), text, video, voice, instant messaging, email, two waycommunication, and one way communication. The network server extractsPSAP identifiers from the response in step 310. A PSAP profile iscreated, in step 312, by the network server. The PSAP profile includesthe PSAP identifiers and media support information for each cell sectorcovered by the PSAP. The network server, in step 314, stores the PSAPprofile for each cell sector in a database. Accordingly, the results ofthe test emergency services calls are used to build a profile of thecurrent PSAP media capabilities.

In yet another embodiment, the PSAP provides an indication of supportedmedia formats in response to the test emergency services calls. Asexplained above, the PSAP may obtain a test emergency service call atthe loopback interface. The PSAP, in turn, extracts the media formatsrequested in the test emergency service call. The PSAP may identifycurrent capabilities of the PSAP and determine whether a match existsbetween the extracted media formats and the current capabilities. When amatch is found, the PSAP generates a response that includes the matchingcapabilities. The PSAP transmits the response to the network server.

FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary logic diagram for providing a response to atest emergency services call in accordance with embodiments of theinvention. Turning now to FIG. 4, in step 402, the PSAP obtains a testemergency service call at the loopback interface. The PSAP extracts themedia formats requested from the test emergency services call in step404. The test emergency services call is a SDP message in someembodiments. The PSAP identifies current capabilities in step 406.

In step 408, the PSAP determines whether any of the current capabilitiesmatch the extracted media formats. The PSAP generates, in step 410, aresponse that includes the matching capabilities. In turn, the PSAPtransmits the response to the network server in step 412. The responsemay be, in at least one embodiment, formatted as a SDP message. Theresponse includes an identifier for the PSAP. Thus, PSAP is configuredto respond to the test emergency service call without disrupting realemergency service calls that should be routed to a dispatcher. The PSAPmedia format's support is determined without emergency servicesdispatcher input.

In one embodiment, the database is updated with a PSAP profile based ona test emergency services call. The test emergency services call may bea SDP message generated by a network server of the wireless network. TheSDP message is routed to the appropriate PSAP based on the cell sectoridentified in the test emergency services call. The PSAP generates a SDPresponse that indicates whether the PSAP supports one or more mediaformats identified in the SDP message. The SDP response is received atthe network server, which updates the PSAP profile.

FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary communication flow diagram receiving aresponse to the test emergency services call in accordance withembodiments of the invention. A database 510, network server 520, andPSAP 530 exchange communication messages. The network server 520generates a SDP message. The SDP message is a test emergency servicescall that identifies the cell sector and media formats. The SDP messageis routed to a PSAP 530 based on the cell sector. The PSAP 530 receivedthe SDP message and provides a SDP response. The SDP response indicateswhether the media formats identified in the SDP message are supported bythe PSAP 530. The network server 520 receives the SDP response andgenerates a profile update message that is transmitted to the database.The profile update message may include an identifier of the PSAP 530 andthe media formats that are supported or not supported as indicated inthe SDP response.

In summary, embodiments of the invention configure network servers toprobe PSAPs in coverage areas supported by the wireless networkproviders. The network servers utilize SDP or SIP messages to probemedia support at the PSAP. The SDP or SIP message describes mediasupport by the wireless network and the cell sectors of interest. Thesemessages are routed to the PSAP, which provides an OK response or Errorresponse. These responses are processed by the network server to createand update PSAP profiles for the wireless network.

Real next generation 9-1-1 calls are not used to create or update thePSAP profile because real next generation 9-1-1 calls may burdendispatchers and may not include the necessary diversity of media formatusage. Importantly, the distribution of real emergency calls cannot beguaranteed to use or try all the media types that the wireless networksupports through all of the cell sectors. To obtain a sample size of anysignificance would take a very long period of time (possibly decades).The automatic test emergency service calls includes all the mediaformat. And the PSAP provides response to the test emergency servicecalls in a much shorter period of time.

Many different arrangements of the various components depicted, as wellas components not shown, are possible without departing from the scopeof the claims below. Embodiments of our technology have been describedwith the intent to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternativeembodiments will become apparent to readers of this disclosure after andbecause of reading it. Alternative means of implementing theaforementioned can be completed without departing from the scope of theclaims below. Certain features and subcombinations are of utility andmay be employed without reference to other features and subcombinationsand are contemplated within the scope of the claims.

The technology claimed is:
 1. A computer-implemented method forresponding to test emergency service calls, the method comprising:without disrupting real emergency service calls at one or more PublicSafety Answering Platforms (PSAPs), processing a test emergency servicescall; determining the PSAPs' media format support, without emergencyservice dispatch input, based on media formats specified in the testemergency services call; and providing the location of the PSAPs withthe media format support data for illustration on a carrier coverage mapassociated with a communication provider.
 2. The method of claim 1,wherein each cell sector maintained by the communication provider isidentified in the coverage map.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein thetest emergency services call is a session description protocol (SDP)message.
 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the test emergency servicescall is a session initiation protocol (SIP) message.
 5. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the test emergency services call identifies at leastone media format that is supported by the communication provider.
 6. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the test emergency services call identifiesat least two media formats that are supported by the communicationprovider, wherein the two media formats may be transmitted at the sametime to the PSAPs.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the media formatsinclude push to talk (PIT), text, video, voice, instant messaging,email, two way communication, and one way communication.
 8. The methodof claim 1, wherein the test emergency services call is transmitted to aloopback interface of the PSAPs.
 9. The media of claim 1, furthercomprising: extracting PSAP identifiers from the response; and creatinga PSAP profile that includes the identifiers and media supportinformation for each cell sector.
 10. The method of claim 9, furthercomprising: storing the PSAP profile for each cell sector in a database.11. One or more non-transitory computer-readable media havingcomputer-executable instructions embodied thereon that, when executed,perform a method to generate a Public Safety Answering Platform (PSAP)coverage map, the method comprising: obtaining a test emergency servicecall at one or more PSAPs; without disrupting real emergency servicecalls at the PSAPs, processing a test emergency services call;determining the PSAP's media format support, without emergency servicedispatch input, based on media formats specified in the test emergencyservices call; and providing the location of the PSAPs with the mediaformat support data for illustration on a carrier coverage mapassociated with a communication provider.
 12. The media of claim 11,wherein the test emergency services call is a SDP message.
 13. The mediaof claim 11, wherein the response is a SDP message.
 14. The media ofclaim 11, wherein the response includes an identifier for the PSAP. 15.The media of claim 14, wherein a database stores the response from thePSAP in a profile for the PSAP.
 16. The media of claim 14, wherein adatabase stores media capabilities for each PSAP that responded to testemergency service calls.
 17. The media of claim 14, wherein a databasestores identifiers for each PSAP when multiple PSAPs respond to the testemergency service call.
 18. The media of claim 14, wherein a databasestores media formats supported, and the media formats that are notsupported by each responding PSAP.
 19. The media of claim 14, wherein adatabase stores the coverage map having the location of the PSAPs andidentifying the media format supported by each of the illustrated PSAPs.20. A communication system for building a Public Safety AnsweringPlatform (PSAP) profile, the system comprising: a network serverproviding a test emergency services application, wherein the applicationallows the network server to test various media formats supported by thewireless network at multiple PSAPs and the network server generates acoverage map for PSAPs based on the PSAP responses to the tested mediaformats; and a database to store PSAP identifiers for the multiple PSAPsand corresponding media formats identified in the responses generated byeach PSAP.